Stockton to test basic income program

The city of Stockton is planning to unveil a new program that will give 100 families in the local area $500 a month without restrictions. The money has been donated, and this fall is when the program could potentially start

Such a program is known as universal basic income and Stockton is the first city in America to test it. Lasting about two years, the idea is that the government distributes cash universally under the concept that people who need the money know better how to use it than people in government. Recipients can take the cash and spend time looking for work or improving their education, rather than filling out forms.

Michael Tubbs, the mayor of Stockton, is known for making history. Aside from being the city’s first African-American mayor, he is also one of the youngest in the country at just 27 years old.

When Tubbs took office, 25% of residents were officially poor, an even lower percentage had graduated from college, and people had problems finding employment. Tubbs felt that poverty was the biggest issue in the community and basic income was recommended to him as one way to attack the issue.

Flyer printing companies can be hired to create flyers with more information about such programs and their results, so that other municipalities can also try them out.